MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Many Deluz Housing residents were around before November 2000 and remember darker days in their domiciles. But now, most are in new or refurbished homes that are larger and better-maintained, residents say.
Nowadays, many who were singing the blues just two years ago are crooning happier tunes.
"These are nice, beautiful homes," said Diane Taylor, who has lived in Deluz Housing for 10 years and is the area's lead community council representative.
"I lived in one of the apartments before Public-Private Venture and it was literally falling apart, but now, I'm in an almost new house and am much more satisfied with my quarters," said Lance Cpl. Robert Gutierrez, a postal clerk with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base.
Two years ago this month, Pendleton took the inaugural steps toward the Corps' housing solution of the future - PPV housing.
Hunt Building Corporation, Camp Pendleton's partner, took ownership of Deluz Housing and immediately began building 200 new homes while managing the remaining 312.
Since then, 200 homes have been renovated, including the addition of an extra bathroom in each house, new appliances and floor covering, plus other amenities such as ceiling fans and computer outlets in every room. All tenants who previously lived in Deluz now are in the new or remodeled homes.
Currently, 300 apartments are being demolished and replaced with town homes and should be completed next fall.
Additionally, Deluz will receive a new community center and pool.
It's all part of Phase I of Pendleton's PPV strategic plan, with two phases left in Pendleton's migration from government to PPV housing.
Besides being more livable, the new housing also comes with a top-notch maintenance crew, residents say.
"Maintenance speed and quality has improved 100 percent since privatization," Taylor said. "I've talked with almost every resident here and maintenance is consistently rated high. They're almost always here the same day you call with a problem, and then they actually fix the problem, which is a big difference from what used to happen."
Officials say they're also happy with the relationship between the base and Hunt Corporation.
"This partnership with Hunt Building Corporation has been a huge and positive learning experience for everyone involved," said Maj. Craig McDonald, deputy director of Pendleton's Family Housing. "As the lead for the Marine Corps, we have learned firsthand how to make these projects work. We have experienced growing pains along the way, but have almost always reached mutually agreeable solutions for our residents, the government and our partner."
While Deluz was first in line for better living, the residential renewal and privatization won't stop there.
During Phase II, scheduled to begin in October 2003, 3,316 existing units in Serra Mesa, O'Neill Heights, San Luis Rey, Wire Mountain, Forster Hills, Del Mar, Santa Margarita and South Mesa will privatize.
The plan is to demolish and replace 812 units in Wire Mountain I and II with 960 new units. The homes, some more than 40 years old and in poor condition, are the top priority for improving quality of life for families, McDonald said.
"One of the most important lessons learned from Deluz is the requirement for timely and constant two-way communication between the families and the housing staff. After the new construction of Wire Mountain is ready for occupancy, other areas of Phase II will undergo extensive renovation to bring them up to the same high standard of the new homes," McDonald said.
Phase III should start in 2006 and includes privatization of 2,847 units in San Onofre, Stuart Mesa, Pacific View and the San Onofre Mobile Home Park.
"The primary effort of phase three is to build badly needed additional housing," McDonald said.
Phase III will be reduced in renovation scope from Phases I and II, primarily because Phase III areas are much newer and don't require substantial renovation, McDonald said.
Corps wide, the intent is to have 95 percent of all family housing privatized by 2007.
"There will be much more to learn and some hiccups along the way," McDonald said. "But it is our sincere intent to make it as easy on our families as possible while still taking the long term approach to developing Camp Pendleton and its communities into show case places to live for our military families."